U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, a man on the fast track up the power ladder after steering the Democrats to victory last Tuesday, said this afternoon that his new leadership postÂ won’t distract him from delivering for his home state.Â

“I just want to say this, since so many of you are from New York,” Schumer told reporters on a 2:30 p.m. conference call. “I’m never going to forget. I think this will help me do more for New York and on issues that matter for New York.”

And then, in that Schumeresque way he has of tailoring information to specific regions of the state, the senator rattled off a number of local projects and initiatives for which he would continue to fight (a rail link to Stewart Airport in Newburgh, low-cost airline service around the state etc.)

But his main task in the new gig, vice chair of the Democratic Conference, is to create legislation and a message other than “throw Bush out” that enable Democrats to win in 2008 – a year Schumer said would see “a seminal election” similar to 1932 (FDR/Dems) and 1980 (Reagan/GOP) that could result in years of Democratic control.

“This election was fundamentally a rejection of George Bush’s agenda, and people said across the country and across New York State:Â Let’s give Democrats a chance,” Schumer said.

“My job is to make sure in the next two years that people know what the Democratic Party stands for,Â that we accomplish some real legislation that makes their lives bettter, so in 2008, people will say: I like that party. I want to vote for Democrats.”Â

As for who the party’s standard-bearer will be that year, Schumer declined to speculate, although he did say he personally has “zero” interest in running. He said he has “good relationships” with all the current Democratic hopefuls. Asked specifically aboutÂ the state’s junior senator, he said:

“Hillary now has some decisions to make. I think she’s done a great job as senator, and I’m not alone…Hillary and I work well together…I’ll wait for her to make her decision, but whatever her decision, we’re going to continue to work closelyÂ together toÂ benefit New York.”Â

When the 2008 campaign begins in earnest, Schumer said, his job as DSCC chairman (a post he will continue to hold) will be to coordinate with the presidential campaigns and the DNC to have “one unified message.”

“We can’t be a tower of Babel,” Schumer said. “It’s hard to do, but we have to speak with one voice.”Â